Luxury chocolate brand Hotel Chocolat has hired Mars exec Carrie Martin as its new UK boss, following CEO Lysa Hardy’s departure from the business.
Martin currently serves as general manager for Europe, Middle East and Australia for food business Kind, which is owned by Mars, Retail Week reported.
The exec has spent her whole career working for Mars, joining the company in 2000 as a sales manager.
She is set to take on the new position as general manager UK from 6 October, reporting directly to the retailer’s president Angus Thirlwell.
It comes after Hardy revealed that she would be leaving Hotel Chocolat. Posting on LinkedIn, the executive said: “After seven fabulous years, it’s time for a new chapter. Today I step away from my role at Hotel Chocolat with enormous pride and gratitude.
“From CMO to CEO, I’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional team to turn ideas into action — Velvetising the world by creating a premium drinking chocolate category, navigating the pandemic, elevating retail experience, piloting new formats, and welcoming more customers than ever to the brand.”
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She added: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but even more of how we did it: with heart, ambition and kindness. I’ve always believed a brand is built from the inside out, and Hotel Chocolat is proof of that — the best of people, united in their passion for great chocolate. I can’t wait to cheer them on as the brand continues to thrive.”
Hardy joined the brand in September 2018 as its managing director direct to consumer and group chief marketing officer.
She was promoted as Hotel Chocolat’s CEO in September 2024, after CEO and founder Thirlwell became the brand’s president and moved to the US to be closer to its owner Mars.
Hardy previously served as non-exec director of Superdry from May 2023 to July 2024. She also worked as chief customer officer of Joules from September 2016 to April 2018 and chief commercial officer of Holland & Barrett International from July 2012 to August 2016.
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